Pennington County Sheriff's Office holds fundraiser for one of their own

Posted: Thu 5:47 PM, Feb 07, 2019&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Fri 9:39 AM, Feb 08, 2019

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA TV) - Pennington County Sheriff's Office held a fundraiser Thursday to help one of their own with medical expenses after he was diagnosed with a rare disorder.

The sheriff's office held a walking taco and bake sale fundraiser for Correctional Officer Keith Fenner; with Modern Woodmen of America matching up to $2,500.

Fenner was diagnosed with Guillan-Barre' syndrome and has been at Rapid City Regional Hospital since Jan. 18.

The sheriff's office held a walking taco and bake sale fundraiser for Fenner with Modern Woodmen of America matching up to $2,500.

This syndrome causes the immune system to attack the nervous system causing weakness, numbness and paralysis. Fenner is having difficulty with with eye and facial movements, including eating and speaking. He cannot walk and has intense pain that worsens at night.

Fenner's next step in the recovery process is to regain his motor skills.

"He's heading for physical therapy rehab next and we just hope that he takes that on as strong as he can and get through that as fast as he can because he's just chomping at the bait, he really wants to come back to work," said Keith's wife Kara Fenner. "He loves his work and he just can't believe the support, it's just amazing."

A lot of that support comes from Fenner's own co-workers, who get to seem him routinely to cheer him on in his treatment and recovery.

"Well he's doing a lot better," said Rob Yantis, Pennington County Jail commander. "I get texts about every other day or so, he's telling me that he can do a little bit more and he's pretty excited about that. He's got a very good outlook and he's got some plans for himself to get to where he needs to go."

There is Keith Fenner Benefit Account at Black Hills Federal Credit Union to help the family with medical expenses. You can make a contribution at any BHFCU location.

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